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Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention

Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention

Oral health indicates overall health, so regular oral hygiene is important to prevent cavities, bad breath, gum diseases, and other mouth and teeth issues. Also, oral health is important at every stage of life, and it should not be taken lightly as oral diseases can also spread to the rest of the body. Let’s take a look at the basics of oral health issues and how to prevent them.

Common oral health problems
Oral health problems can affect people at different stages of lives:

  • Infants
    A routine to help children maintain oral hygiene. When a child starts getting their first teeth, parents should wipe their gums with a clean, moist washcloth. Gradually, they can change this washcloth to a toothbrush for kids. Also, a child must be taken for their first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, which should be not later than a kid’s first birthday. Additionally, parents should always stop children from sucking their thumbs as it can affect their tooth alignment. Also, never let them sleep with a bottle in their mouth as this can cause tooth decay.
  • Children and teenagers
    Many who have crooked teeth start showing signs between the ages of 6 and 12. Also, people may start getting wisdom teeth in their late teens, which may have to be removed as they often cause pain and develop infections.
  • Adults
    Among adults, gum diseases are the most common oral health issues. Also, many adults grind their teeth while sleeping, which is a serious health concern as it affects their teeth and jaws. Many do not take care properly for their mouth and teeth, which is the leading cause of cavities. Once a person’s cavity gets too deep, a root canal is the only way to treat it.
  • Senior citizens
    Seniors often take treatment options for various reasons, and this often causes dry mouth, which can lead to a tooth decay. The risk for gum diseases and mouth cancer also increases with age, so seniors should take special care to maintain oral hygiene.

Diagnosis of oral health problems
A simple dental examination is used for diagnosing most oral diseases. This exam includes the dentist examining an individual’s tongue, throat, jaw, cheeks, neck, and mouth and teeth. Also, dentists use several tools and instruments for the measurement of a person’s gum pockets. With the measurement of this small scale, a dentist will be able to tell whether the person has receding gums or any other gum disease. Usually, the pockets between the teeth should measure between 1 and 3mm, so if the measurement is beyond these numbers, the person is said to have a gum disease.

In the case of oral cancer, dentists prescribe MRI scan, X-ray, CT scan, and an endoscopy in order to diagnose the spread of the cancer.

Prevention of oral health problems
Here are some tips to prevent mouth and teeth problems:

  • One should visit a dentist annually for a comprehensive check-up and cleaning
  • It’s best to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride and brush twice a day
  • The toothbrush should be changed every 3 to 4 months or as soon as it’s worn out
  • Clean the tongue is also important while brushing
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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Essential factors of mental health issues

There are a lot of misconceptions that people have about mental health. With the little information on mental health, people are often narrow-minded when it comes to treating mental illnesses and often this causes a big problem for those who have mental health problems. To help you understand better, we are here to provide you with the details of mental health problems, which include its stages, diagnosis, and treatment.Stages of mental health issuesThe following stages are generally experienced by patients:Stage 1: PreconceptionWhen the patient is in this stage, they may mostly be in denial. It is possible that they point out that something seems off but they are fully capable of going about with their usual routine.Stage 2: ContemplationAt this stage, it is clear that the patient needs medical help. The symptoms have started to set in, and it has now started to affect the day-to-day routine of the patient. Stage 2: Crisis If stages 1 and 2 are dealt with in the right way, this stage can be avoided. If not, the patient may face a nervous breakdown.Stage 4: Getting HelpThis stage should ideally come before the crisis for the problem to be averted. However, more often than not help is asked for after the crisis is in sight.Stage 5: EngagementThis is the first step toward improvement as the problem is addressed and guided by a healthcare professional.Stage 6: Recovery The patient may show real development at this stage by tackling problems. The healthcare professional would help the patient to cope with their problems. Stage 7: Maintenance This stage is like a follow-up for the treatment. The patient should always report the development of their healthcare professional to avoid any unexpected issues that can affect their progress.Diagnosis of mental health problemsThese diagnosis methods are the most commonly used by doctors.Conducting physical tests There are times when a patient’s physical health issues may affect their mental state of mind. This is where a physical test will help, as it will help the doctor diagnose the illness.Evaluating the patient’s mental stateThe patient will be asked about their thoughts and behavioral patterns. They will also be asked to describe their symptoms and how these affect their routine. During this, the doctor will also be observing and making a note of how the patient’s temperament is during the session.Testing the patient’s cognitive abilitiesDuring this test, the doctor will test the patient’s memory, ability to focus apply logic, etc. The doctor will also test their ability to solve basic math tests and the ability to identify different shapes and sizes. Treatment of mental health problemsPatients could be given medication to treat mental illness. These medications could include antipsychotic medicines, anti-depressants, mood-stabilizing medicines, and medications for anxiety. Psychotherapy is another effective way in which patients could be treated under the guidance of a therapist. Brain stimulations are also a common way in which patients are treated. It is mostly used for depression cases, and often when medication and therapy have failed.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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